Why you should visit
Yosemite is a world class destination that is most notable for its soaring granite cliffs and powerful waterfalls. As with most National Parks it is more popular in the summer when the weather is warm, the days are long, and the waterfalls are flowing. Visiting in the spring is certainly the best time to visit when the waterfalls are at their peak and when the meadows come to life. However, each season brings about a different side to the famed park. Winter brings a particular appeal and is certainly a great time to visit Yosemite. I’ll give some activities in Yosemite in winter and why you should visit.
Sitting at 4000 feet above sea level, Yosemite is at a somewhat low elevation but they do see snowfall multiple times a year. On these occasions the whole Yosemite Valley turns into a winter wonderland. If you are fortunate enough to visit after a snowfall it makes for a real treat. The South wall, shaded from the sun, becomes a massive sheet of ice and the trees at the top of the ridge look like white toothpicks. The only downside to visiting after a storm is driving in the snow. If you haven’t driven in snow before, you will need tire chains or 4 wheel drive and drive cautiously! Being prepared for driving in snow can relieve some serious headaches and prevent accidents. Don’t let the forewarning scare you away from visiting Yosemite in winter though, as it can be truly beautiful.
Hikes in Yosemite in Winter
Many of the trails throughout the valley remain open in the winter and the rangers work hard to keep them clear even after heavy snowfalls. I visited after they received a few feet of snow and they had cleared a majority of the trails by the next day. The plethora of hiking trails give you many options to choose from to walk around as you enjoy the valley. Hiking to the base of Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls are great options as those trails remain open. The hike to lower Yosemite falls is short at 1 mile and is great to do in the winter as it gives you a good view of Yosemite’s most popular waterfall. Bridalveil Falls trail is only half a mile which leads to the base of the falls. This trail can get slick in winter as it is on the west side of the valley which, being cooler, can cause ice to form so be sure to take care. If there is even a small amount of water flowing over the falls, mist can reach the viewing point making for a frigid experience but it is still worth seeing. I would recommend hiking to Bridalveil in the afternoon as most people make it their first stop being close to the park entrance. However the crowds will be fewer and the view better in the afternoon when the sun directly hits the waterfall.
The valley loop trail is another trail that the park service maintains throughout the winter which provides different views of the valley. The trail loops the entire valley coming in at 20 miles so doing the whole trail is unrealistic but do a section and go the length that suits you. Another great trail to hike in winter is the trail to Mirror Lake. at the end of the road, the valley continues on much further. Only a few miles beyond the road open to the public is Mirror Lake. Much of the lake has been filled in with sediment but a portion stays filled with water year around. True to its name, the water in the lake is very still and acts as a mirror making a beautiful sight. The lake sits right below Half Dome so hiking there allows for a different vantage point of the iconic dome. There are also other trails that go across meadows or follow along the banks of the Merced River which are great options to walk in the winter as well.
Waterfalls in Winter
Obviously the waterfalls are most impressive in the spring when they are flowing at peak but seeing them in the winter is fascinating in their own right. In the winter, depending on the amount of snowfall, they can be flowing more than you might think and parts may be frozen which make a unique sight. I particularly like it in the morning when the ice begins to thaw and then comes crashing down to the valley below. It can result in an impressive boom that echoes throughout the valley.
Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area
Although some destinations are closed during the winter, it is made up with the activities and sights that you can see or do only in winter. Activities that are only available in the winter include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding and ice skating.
Within Yosemite National Park on the road to Glacier Point is the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, formerly known as Badger Pass. While not a large ski area, it is a great spot for beginners or, if you have never skied or snowboarded before, a great place to learn. What is very nice about the mountain is its proximity to Yosemite Valley. It is very close to the Valley and it is very convenient to include in a trip to Yosemite. The Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area is a good base for other activities as well. You can tube, rent cross-country skis and snowshoes as well there. There are trails around the resort including trails to Glacier Point and Dewey Point, located on the rim of the valley. If you don’t want to go out alone, they also offer tours to many of those destinations for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The rates and other additional information can be found at travelyosemite.com
Activities in the Yosemite Valley
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are also great activities to do within the valley as you take in the scenery. There are many trails throughout the valley and since the entire valley is mostly flat, you can really ski or snowshoe anywhere without any real difficulty. The meadows when covered in snow make for a great spot to traverse as you take in the towering cliffs. It’s a sight to behold and makes any activity in the valley thoroughly enjoyable.
Ice skating is also available in Yosemite Valley at Half Dome Village. They rent skates at the rink so you do not need to worry about acquiring your own pair. Since the rink is open air, it does close if they receive significant snowfall, so you will need to keep updated of its status to ensure its open. Skating under the shadow of Half Dome is an incredible experience certainly worth doing.
Majestic Yosemite Hotel and Tunnel View
There are many sights in Yosemite that look even better draped in snow including the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. The historic hotel is picturesque anytime of the year but looks even more beautiful in the winter. The tunnel view is definitely a highlight of any visit to Yosemite but it’s even more so in the winter. In the summer there is rarely a cloudy day which is nice to have great weather, however, it is beautiful watching the clouds in winter as they finger through the valley and surround the famous landmarks. This adds to the appeal and makes Yosemite a great winter destination.
